Primary (endemic) vs. opportunistic invasive mycoses
Primary infections
Afflict patients even without underlying immunocompromise; but infections are more severe in setting of T-cell mediated immunosuppression (e.g., AIDS)
“Endemic fungal pathogens”- Histoplasmosis, Balstomycosis, Coccidioidomycosis
- Molds in the environment- yeast at 37°C
Endemic areas changing with global warming
Opportunistic fungal pathogens
Cause disease in the setting of deficient host immune responses or when introduced into sterile sites of the body
Frequently disseminate to internal organs and the central nervous system
Associated with high mortality if not diagnosed and treated early